Synonyms for
Substitute
Definition
a person or thing that takes the place of another
Synonyms & similar words
reserve
utility
alternative
ersatz
exchange
replace
alternate
stepin
relief
standin
deputize
deputise
reliever
replacement
interchange
backup
sub
secondstringer
backupman
fillin
replacement
stand-in
deputy
proxy
alternate
surrogate
fill-in
backup
spare
second-string
sub
temp
relief
reserve
cover
surrogate
locum
adjunct
supplementary
complementary
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- substitute teacher
- substitute player
- substitute for
- substitute goods
- substitute decision
- substitute work
Word family
Usage note
Often used in the context of sports, food, or personnel. Be mindful of the register; 'substitute' is generally neutral, while 'stand-in' or 'pinch hitter' are more informal.
Example sentences
- The substitute player scored the winning goal.
- I'll have to find a substitute for the missing ingredient in this recipe.
- The substitute teacher didn't know the students' names.
- The substitute bus driver got lost on the way to school.
- I'm a substitute worker at the factory this week.
Quotes
Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire. - William Butler Yeats
The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery. - Mark Van Doren
One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world. - Malala Yousafzai